News for '-bharatiya-janata'

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

Sharad Pawar, Eknath Shinde to fight Pune civic polls together?

Sharad Pawar, Eknath Shinde to fight Pune civic polls together?

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that his party, the NCP, is in discussions with the Shiv Sena regarding seat sharing for the upcoming Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls. This comes as alliances blur in the state-level elections.

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

Dalit woman's murder sparks tension in K'taka; Hindu outfits call for bandh

Dalit woman's murder sparks tension in K'taka; Hindu outfits call for bandh

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

A 30-year-old Dalit woman was stabbed to death in Uttara Kannada, allegedly by a man known to her. The accused was later found dead. The incident has sparked tension, with Hindu outfits alleging 'love jihad'.

CBI to challenge Unnao rape convict Sengar's bail in SC

CBI to challenge Unnao rape convict Sengar's bail in SC

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

The CBI will challenge the suspension of life sentence and bail granted to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case in the Supreme Court. The decision follows a Delhi High Court order suspending Sengar's sentence. Rahul Gandhi has criticized the decision and met with the survivor.

Nitin Nabin Returns To Patna With Dhoom Dham

Nitin Nabin Returns To Patna With Dhoom Dham

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Nitin Nabin held a roadshow in Patna on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, marking his first visit to his native Bihar after being appointed the Bharatiya Janata Party's national working president.

Civic polls: Mahayuti alliance breaks down in Latur, Jalna

Civic polls: Mahayuti alliance breaks down in Latur, Jalna

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

After weeks of negotiations over seat-sharing, the Mahayuti alliance appears to have broken down ahead of municipal corporation elections in Latur and Jalna, with partners deciding to contest the January 15 polls independently.

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body.

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

While the DMK depends on a 'silver sieve' of welfare schemes to stay in power, its support is slowly draining away under the weight of poor governance, corruption, and voters who are no longer satisfied with benefits alone and now want basic administration to work, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Uddhav Has Emerged As Mumbai's Tiger'

'Uddhav Has Emerged As Mumbai's Tiger'

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

'Marathi-speaking people of Mumbai have now emerged as a consolidated vote bank standing firmly behind the Thackerays.'

Fadnavis fumes as local BJP units tie up with Congress, AIMIM

Fadnavis fumes as local BJP units tie up with Congress, AIMIM

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has entered into post-poll alliances with rivals Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in some municipal councils in Maharashtra, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday rejected the tie-ups and warned of action against party leaders involved.

BJP dominates Maha municipal polls, tops five of six divisions

BJP dominates Maha municipal polls, tops five of six divisions

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The BJP has emerged as the most dominant force in the recently-held municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in Maharashtra, securing the highest number of seats in five out of the state's six administrative divisions.

Assam Frees 1.45 Lakh Bighas From Encroachers

Assam Frees 1.45 Lakh Bighas From Encroachers

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Opposition parties have accused the state government of using force and ignoring rehabilitation concerns.

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan apologized for his remarks about 'erasing' memories of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh after facing criticism from the Congress party and Deshmukh's family.

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling process of mosques, madrassas, and individuals associated with their management following the exposure of a 'white collar' terror module. The enumeration drive focuses on the finances of these institutions and the backgrounds of their personnel.

BJP woman worker alleges cops disrobed her during arrest in K'taka

BJP woman worker alleges cops disrobed her during arrest in K'taka

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka following allegations that the police disrobed a BJP woman functionary while arresting her in connection with an attack on government officials. Police deny the charge, claiming the woman disrobed herself and attacked the officers.

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

How Muslims Voted In BMC Elections

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The real surprise in these results came from Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM. Of the 29 Muslim candidates who got elected to the 227-strong BMC, the Congress and the AIMIM between them bagged 22.

Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged

Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead in West Bengal's Bankura district, leading to allegations that work-related pressure from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls may have been a factor. Political accusations have followed.

'Poison was distributed in Indore': Rahul Gandhi

'Poison was distributed in Indore': Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizes the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh after at least 10 people died allegedly due to contaminated water in Indore, accusing them of negligence and insensitivity.

'Who are we punishing: a nation, an individual, his religion?'

'Who are we punishing: a nation, an individual, his religion?'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Earlier, Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its criticism of the IPL franchise, saying overseas players participate in the tournament in accordance with BCCI and IPL rules.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

BJP MP accuses TMC MP of smoking e-cigarette in Lok Sabha

BJP MP accuses TMC MP of smoking e-cigarette in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

E-cigarettes were banned in the country a few years ago.

He'll be in big trouble: BJP hits back at ally Ajit Pawar

He'll be in big trouble: BJP hits back at ally Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan criticized Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's allegations of corruption in the Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, suggesting they are politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.

Rahul Gandhi, Gautam Adani visit Pawar's residence

Rahul Gandhi, Gautam Adani visit Pawar's residence

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Political and business leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Gautam Adani, gathered at Sharad Pawar's residence for a pre-birthday dinner.

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Despite his influence, Pratik Jain avoids the spotlight. Credit is routinely passed on to colleagues. He maintains no visible faction within the TMC, no personal coterie.

Maha civic polls: Mahayuti wins 68 seats unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Maha civic polls: Mahayuti wins 68 seats unopposed, BJP leads with 44

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

The BJP and its Mahayuti allies have won 68 seats unopposed in the Maharashtra civic polls scheduled for January 15, even as the Opposition parties alleged the ruling combine used threats and money to force candidates to withdraw from the fray.

'Vote chori' issue raised by Cong, not INDIA bloc: Omar

'Vote chori' issue raised by Cong, not INDIA bloc: Omar

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah distanced himself from the 'vote chori' issue raised by the Congress, stating the INDIA bloc has no involvement.

Pawars reunite for Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls

Pawars reunite for Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Pawar was addressing an election campaign rally in Pimpri-Chinchwad and announced the development.

Unnao rape case: Kuldeep Sengar granted bail with strict conditions

Unnao rape case: Kuldeep Sengar granted bail with strict conditions

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has suspended the jail term of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who is serving life imprisonment in the 2017 Unnao rape case, while imposing several conditions.

Goa nightclub fire: BJP MLA Lobo calls for safety audit of all clubs

Goa nightclub fire: BJP MLA Lobo calls for safety audit of all clubs

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Michael Lobo on Sunday called for a safety audit of all clubs in Goa following a fire in Arpora that killed 25 people, including three women and 20 men.

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The second phase of the Systematic Integration of Rolls (SIR) in West Bengal is causing distress among elderly, disabled, and vulnerable voters, leading to political accusations ahead of the assembly polls.

Unnao rape survivor claims IO colluded with Sengar, approaches CBI

Unnao rape survivor claims IO colluded with Sengar, approaches CBI

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The victim of the 2017 Unnao rape case, in which ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was convicted, has approached the CBI seeking the registration of an FIR against the then-investigating officer for allegedly colluding with the former legislator. The woman also claims to face threats.

'Inevitable': Robert Vadra says Priyanka's rise will come in time

'Inevitable': Robert Vadra says Priyanka's rise will come in time

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Businessman Robert Vadra says his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has a bright future in politics and a time will come when people would like to see her at the top position.

BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversies

BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya is no stranger to controversies

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya is facing criticism for his crass comments regarding the water crisis in Indore. This is the latest in a series of controversial remarks made by the veteran politician.

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought a first information report (FIR) after students allegedly raised 'provocative' slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah inside the university campus during an event on Monday night, varsity officials said.

BJP, Sena together in Mumbai; divided in Pune, Sambhajinagar

BJP, Sena together in Mumbai; divided in Pune, Sambhajinagar

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will contest the January 15 polls to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune municipal corporations separately after seat-sharing talks failed. Leaders from both parties are blaming each other for the breakup. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will be held on January 15.

Bihar minister seeks to defuse veil row, says NDA stands for Matri Shakti

Bihar minister seeks to defuse veil row, says NDA stands for Matri Shakti

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey addresses the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing a female doctor's veil, stating he is unaware of reports that she refused to join duty following the incident. A Congress leader has filed a complaint against Kumar and another minister.

RSS not a paramilitary outfit, wrong to see it through BJP lens: Bhagwat

RSS not a paramilitary outfit, wrong to see it through BJP lens: Bhagwat

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat clarifies the organization's role, stating it is not a paramilitary group and aims to unite society with virtues to prevent foreign subjugation.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

Suspension of Sengar's sentence challenged in SC

Suspension of Sengar's sentence challenged in SC

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the jail sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case.